How do I convert kcal to BTU?

Use the formula shown above or enter a value to see kcal converted to BTU instantly.

What is the formula for kcal to BTU?

The converter calculates BTU by applying the category-specific conversion factor for Energy.

When should I use kcal vs BTU?

kcal and BTU are both part of the Energy category; pick the unit that matches your measurement context (e.g., scale, region, or industry standard).

Energy Conversion Guide

Convert kcal to BTU

Use the live converter below to translate between Kilocalorie (food) (kcal) and British Thermal Unit (BTU). Scroll further for quick examples, formula tips, and related units.

Formula insight: Most unit conversions use a simple multiplication or division by a conversion factor. The calculator shows the exact formula used.

Convert

kcal → BTU

Kilocalorie (food)

kcal

British Thermal Unit

3.9657

BTU

Rounded result (4 decimals max)

Formula

1 kcal = 3.9657 BTU

Conversion sourcesTap or click to view references

The International System of Units (SI) — NIST Special Publication 330
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The SI Brochure (SP 330) is the definitive English edition of the BIPM SI tables. NIST’s edition lists the official constants and conversion factors tying inch-pound units to SI, which SwapUnits applies for length, mass, temperature, pressure, volume, and related conversions. See /standards/nist-si-tenfold for the complete decimal multiple/submultiple table. View source · View SI table

Results update as you type. Swap the direction to convert back from BTU to kcal.

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kcal to BTU quick table

Multiply any row by the same factor to scale results. Use the converter above to enter exact values with your own units.

Kilocalorie (food) (kcal)	British Thermal Unit (BTU)
0.25 kcal	0.9914 BTU
0.5 kcal	1.9828 BTU
1 kcal	3.9657 BTU
2 kcal	7.9313 BTU
5 kcal	19.8283 BTU
10 kcal	39.6567 BTU
25 kcal	99.1417 BTU
100 kcal	396.5667 BTU

BTU back to kcal

Keep the reciprocal handy when double-checking calculations or undoing a conversion.

British Thermal Unit (BTU)	Kilocalorie (food) (kcal)
0.25 BTU	0.063 kcal
0.5 BTU	0.1261 kcal
1 BTU	0.2522 kcal
2 BTU	0.5043 kcal
5 BTU	1.2608 kcal
10 BTU	2.5216 kcal
25 BTU	6.3041 kcal
100 BTU	25.2164 kcal

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